The practice of wheelchair or forward movement meditation offers the opportunity to revitalise our mind and body with our senses in whatever form they may be, bringing us into contact with the elements of Mother Earth and the space around us.
Begin by settling in your chair.
Allow your body to feel supported. Notice the contact points of your back resting; your hands on the wheels or controls and arm rest; your feet placed comfortably on the foot plates. Take a moment to arrive fully in this present space, recognising that the wheelchair or mobility aid is made of the earth, with its minerals and elements.
- Step 1: Before moving, Arriving with the Breath
Close your eyes if that feels safe, or soften your gaze.
Take a slow, deep breath in… and a gentle breath out.
Feel the rise and fall of your chest.
Let the breath be natural, unforced.
With each inhale, silently say:
“I’ve arrived.”
With each exhale:
“I am home.”
Repeat this for a few breaths, allowing the mind to settle.
- Step 2: Beginning to Roll forward
When you are ready, start to roll slowly.
Let the movement of your mobility aid be in harmony with your breathing:
- One gentle roll forward as you breathe in.
- One gentle roll as you breathe out.
If space allows, continue in a straight line. If not, move in a circle or back and forth.
There is no rush. The pace is soft, like a gently flowing stream.
- Step 3: Feeling the Contact
As the wheels turn, notice the sensation:
- The smoothness of the motion.
- The gentle contact of the wheels with the ground.
- The rhythm of rolling, like a quiet dance.
Imagine the wheels kissing the earth beneath you - soft, tender, full of care.
This earth and all its elements support you, and you offer your presence in return.
- Step 4: Connecting Mind and Body
As you roll, you may offer a simple mantra:
- In-breath: Connecting mind
- Out-breath: Connecting body
Or choose words that feel nourishing:
- In-breath: Peace
- Out-breath: Ease
If none of these resonate, create your own. Let the words be gentle companions for your practice.
- Step 5: Expanding Awareness
Notice the space around you - the air, the light, the sounds.
Feel the openness, yet remain rooted in your body.
Rolling in our chair becomes a meditation of interbeing:
You, the chair, the earth, the breath - all connected, all as one.
- Step 6: Closing the Practice
When you are ready to finish, slow down.
Come to a gentle stop.
Place your hands softly on your lap.
Take three slow breaths:
- Breathing in, I feel calm.
- Breathing out, I smile.
- I have arrived, I am home.
Bow In gratitude for this moment of presence & practice.
You have arrived. You are home.